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CONSTRUCTION, LAUNCH, TRIALS AND CAMOUFLAGE

CONSTRUCTION

LAUNCH

TRIALS

On 28 May 1942, builder’s speed trials were conducted on the measured mile off of Rockland, Maine. Nicholas, flying the Bath Iron Works house flag, attracted much attention this day and achieved 37.1 knots. Among 2,100-tonners, she was regarded throughout her career as a fast ship.

CAMOUFLAGE

Nicholas appeared in four different camouflage schemes during World War II:

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As launched (top row, left), she appeared in a modified Measure 12.

In August 1942 (top row, right), the dappled effect was painted out, leaving a two-tone Measure 18, which was later painted over entirely as Measure 21.

She kept Measure 21 through her refit at Mare Island in December 1943–January 1944 but her hull number was repainted high on the bow abaft the anchor (second row, left).

At Pearl Harbor, the day after she received her Presidential Unit Citation in 1944, Measure 31/24D was applied. In the only known photo taken from off the ship during this time (second row, right), she is moored alongside Fletcher.

Later during her second tour, she was repainted in Measure 14, overall ocean gray, which had taken on a very weathered appearance by 1945 (third row, left).

After the war, before she went into mothballs, she was repainted in overall haze gray, still with small numbers on the bow but in their original position (as shown third row, right, taken in 1949).

1942–1943: FIRST TOUR, SOLOMON ISLANDS

AT SEA

Nicholas receives mail from USS Swallow.

Nicholas after exchanging mail with Chevalier.

Nicholas receives mail from HMAS Arunta.

1944–1945: SECOND TOUR, PHILIPPINES TO TOKYO BAY

MODIFICATIONS

In January 1944,Nicholas was modified to carry the typical 1943–44 fit of ten 40mm Bofors in twin mounts.